My sisters and brothers,
Praise to You Lord Jesus Christ!
In less than two weeks, we are back to school but we have to enjoy the last few weeks of summer vacation. How’s your summer so far? It is a good summer here in our beautiful Okanagan with lots of fruit this year. Almost every day and night I walked my dogs (Aya & Bella) at the lakeside (Okanagan Lake) park and sometimes at Skaha. There are lots of people walking and enjoying the sunshine and of course the summer breeze.
During walks, Aya & Bella are so excited to see other people and dogs. The only challenging part of our walks is their desire to sniff and explore, and with their strong sense of smell, their curiosity can lead to delays. I tried to discipline them, and practice patience and appreciation during these moments of my dog’s exploration because it offers both physical and mental benefits. It also strengthens our relationship and clear communication and trust. I am so blessed that I have Aya & Bella, disciplining them, and learning their behaviors can also be applied to my relationships with other people and my overall well-being.
In our Gospel (Luke 13: 22-30), Jesus was asked, “Lord, will only a few be saved?” He answered by redirecting the question from focusing on numbers to calling to action; “Strive to enter through the narrow door; for many, I tell you, will try to enter and will not be able.” The word “strive,” means “to exert make an effort, be the best you can be,” emphasizing that to enter the Kingdom of God requires focused, disciplined effort and attention, to achieve above and beyond like an athlete preparing for competition. The “narrow door” is not an exclusive door but challenges us to the way of discipline, humility, perseverance and trust in God, as Jesus often reminds us to take up our cross and follow Him.
Thus, as believers we are all called to “be the best that we can be,” and practice sustained effort in following Jesus with discipline and to be cautious of complacency. God’s mercy is open to all but the entrance to the Kingdom of God requires a path of discipline, a humility of heart, and a willingness to accept God’s grace through Jesus Christ our Lord. AMEN.
God Loves You! ~ Fr. NEIL